Written by Sid
Thursday, 07 September 2006
Jesse Ray Penhall was in a happy mood about the impending birth of his child on the night he is accused of killing a SA Gypsy Joker, a jury has heard.
Penhall, 28, testifying in his defence in the Supreme Court yesterday, said he had "nothing to do" with the murder of Steven "Fly" Hydon at Wallaroo in May, 2004.
Prosecutors have alleged Penhall and his co-accused, Erin Woodward, 28, shot Mr Hydon outside the Weeroona Hotel after a dispute between Gypsy Joker club members and Penhall earlier in the night.
The prosecution alleged Penhall deliberately provoked the bikers, but yesterday he said he was not aware his jumper, bearing the number 81, represented the rival Hell's Angels initials H and A when he walked into the Weeroona Hotel.
He said a friend had given him the jumper.
Penhall told the court he was surrounded by Gypsy Joker members after ordering a drink at the hotel, before they began to assault him.
The court heard that he initially escaped, but was caught after 10 to 15 people chased him out of the hotel and started kicking and beating him.
Penhall said that as he ran to Woodward's car he was kicked, causing him a serious shoulder injury.
The jury heard that before Mr Hydon was shot dead, Penhall and his girlfriend planned to announce she had become pregnant.
They also heard that after he was attacked, Penhall went home then travelled to his parents' house to get medical attention from his mother.
When he realised she was not home he returned to his house
The trial continues


 

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